Thursday, May 25, 2017

It is with a heavy heart that I announce today the passing of an unsung Cleveland heavy metal legend who has slipped away forever from those who knew and loved him. Don't worry, I understand that you don't recognize the man pictured here. His chosen place was offstage and out of the spotlight of so-called social media. What you need to know is that since 1979 brother "Squeaky" was the first member of the original Black Death inner circle, known collectively as The Wrecking Crew and celebrated as such on the 1984 Black Death 7" single. His name can be spotted on the back cover credits of the debut Auburn Records LP. Squeaky was a formidable guitar player himself and the man responsible for introducing Siki Spacek to Jimi Hendrix and Judas Priest, along with countless more obscure but no less influential bands and musicians, long before Black Death was conceived. In fact, it was Squeaky who first introduced Siki Spacek to guitarist Greg Hicks and drummer Phil Bullard on the exact same fateful day that Siki was expelled from high school in 1977. His introduction directly resulted in the forming of the band and the legacy of great American heavy metal that is carried on today by Black Death Resurrected​ and celebrated by so many TRUE headbangers around the world! Squeaky was known to avoid any personal attention, yet it was his friendship and support that encouraged Siki to overcome his early stage fright to become the incredible performer that he is to this day (if you have any doubt, join us at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn on June 16, 2017 for Defenders Of The Old festival and see for yourself). Now take another look at the unassuming dude smoking a cigarette on his porch above and go TURN YOUR MUSIC UP LOUD in memory of Squeaky! The "Four Dark Horsemen," as Siki lovingly refers to the classic Black Death lineup, have lost one of their own. Squeaky will not be forgotten. R.I.P.